Robbie Neilson took aim at big talk from Hibs this season and says it shows where Hearts are that they ”dominated” their rivals in today’s Edinburgh derby.
The Jambos looked like taking all three points as they led deep into stoppage time after Lawrence Shankland’s first half opener. But the narrative dictated that returning hero Martin Boyle would have the last word, snatching an equaliser for the Hibees with the last kick of the game after coming off the bench.
The visitors should have extended their lead before and after Boyle was brought on for his second debut for the Leith side after coming back from Al Faisaly. A brilliant double save from David Marshall denied Lawrence Shankland and Barrie McKay, while Nathaniel Atkinson saw an effort deflected narrowly wide at 0-1. While those of a maroon persuasion were left deflated by Boyle’s late intervention, Neilson was pleased with how his team played in their rivals’ backyard overall.
And he was quick to reference what he feels has been some over-confidence from their neighbours early in the campaign as he said: “It shows where we are. We’ve dominated them the last couple of years. Hibs are talking about how they’re going to do this and do that this season. We came to their patch and we dominated them. We should have put them to bed earlier but we didn't do enough to do that
“This is part of football and part of being a football player. You're going to take hits and you’re going to be disappointed. But the pleasing thing for me is that we’ve got a real strong group in here. They’re great boys who give everything for the club and that’s the most important thing
“There will be highs and there will be lows. Today’s a low because we didn't get three points but we hope next week we can bring that high again.
“We dominated the game, scored the goal and had chances to make it two, three or even four. We didn’t do it and that let them back in again. Losing the goal right at the end is massively disappointing.
“They went gung-ho. We should have put the game to bed. In the second half we didn’t do it so it’s always going to be like that, they throw everything, the kitchen sink, at you and they are hoping for that wee break which they got.
“We just have to learn from it. I think we could probably have managed it a wee bit better in that when we got into the advanced areas you’re looking to kill the game. We have some experienced players but we also have a few young guys who are still learning the game.
“I think it was their first or second shot on target. We came out of our slot in midfield, allowed Boyle to run, they got a wee bit of luck with the cutback but that’s football sometimes. We have to accept it and come back stronger.
“We expect to come here and win. We put on a brilliant performance, probably should have won but didn’t. That’s the disappointing thing, that we didn’t get what we deserved.”
Hibs celebrated their equaliser wildly but Neilson believes that proves just how big a scalp Hearts have become. He added: “We had a brilliant season last year, finished third, we have group-stage football coming, so when we come to these places and drop points it’s going to be a big thing for the opposition.
“I still think there is more to come. That’s our second competitive game, most of the teams in the league are on their sixth game. In my opinion it takes your four, five, six games to get up to speed.
“As the games go on even Jorge Grant is starting to get an understanding of how we play and the rest are the same. Although we have continuity in some areas we also have new guys coming in who are still learning.”
Shankland netted his first league goal in maroon after getting off the mark in pre-season. The Hearts number nine finished a fine team move when he latched on top Barrie McKay’s chipped ball and steered the ball between Marshall’s legs to break the deadlock.
And Neilson is sure his fledgling partnership with Liam Boyce will prove to be an effective one as time goes on. He told Hearts TV: “I’m delighted for him. He scored a couple of goals in pre-season and today I thought he did exceptionally well working together. I think they’ll be a real threat for us this season.”
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